Tampon assembly providing proper bodily placement of a pledget

ABSTRACT

Provided is a tampon applicator having one or more insertion indicators to gauge and/or control the insertion depth of a tampon. The one or more insertion indicators may be located on the tampon applicator barrel, plunger, tampon, removal string, or any combinations thereof. As a result of the one or more insertion indicators, a woman can adjust the insertion depth of the tampon to her body&#39;s requirements ensuring leakage protection, comfort, or both.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a tampon assembly. Thepresent invention more particularly relates to a tampon assembly thatprovides proper bodily placement of a tampon pledget.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

It is well known that the pelvic regions in women's bodies can exhibitwide variation. Some women have large bladders and short vaginas, whileothers have long or wide-set vaginal canals with tiny bladders. Somewomen are large, others quite petite. Vaginal canals can be conical inshape, cylindrical, rectangular, or “slug-shaped”. Some women haveovarian cysts, fibroids, or congenital defects, such as, uterine septa.Over time, women's bodies also change. For instance, over a course ofhours, bladders fill up and then empty. Over the course of many years,vaginal muscles weaken, and vaginal and uterine prolapse can occur.

During menstruation, all these anatomical differences can be quiteimportant. In the prior art, tampon design has typically focused onimproving and controlling absorbency on the one hand andinsertion/removal comfort on the other. But these are not the onlyfactors in designing a tampon. Designing a tampon to ensure bothprotection against leakage of menstrual fluid as well as wearer comfortto accommodate such large anatomical variations as exhibited in women,is a challenge that feminine care technology has not yet quite met. Withtoday's current tampon offerings, women's choices are limited and, insome instances, inadequate to achieve these goals.

To illustrate the various anatomical variations and resulting tamponpledget placement variations, an MRI study was conducted. MRI images areprovided in FIGS. 1 and 2 for two different women. The woman whose MRIimage appears in FIG. 1 had a tampon pledget 10 inserted up much higher,above her bladder 12, and did complain of leakage. The woman whose MRIimage appears in FIG. 2 had a tampon pledget 14 inserted low, below amidpoint of her bladder 16, with significant absorption of menses. TheseMRI's suggest that if a tampon pledget is positioned too far up a user'svaginal cavity, there is possible bypass leakage, and if the tamponpledget is placed too low in the vaginal cavity, the user may experiencediscomfort or the pledget may even fall out.

Referring to FIG. 3, another MRI view of a tampon pledget in a woman'sbody is shown. As this coronal scan shows, the pledget 18 is almosthorizontal and oriented almost at a right angle to the source ofmenstrual bleeding, the cervical os 20. Clearly, pledget 18 is placed uptoo high in the user's vaginal fornix. The pledget is not oriented belowthe cervical os 20, and as a result leakage is likely to occur, mainlybecause of gravity.

To complement the MRI data, inspection of used tampon pledgets suggeststhat absorption often occurs only on one side of the pledget, includingwhen a woman complains of leakage. It is likely that the pledget was notproperly placed inside the vagina, since most of the discoloration is onone side. If the pledget were better positioned with respect to thecervical os, absorption would be more uniform throughout the pledget,and leakage may likely be prevented.

In view of the above, tampon pledget placement is clearly affected by avariety of factors, including, but not limited to, a woman's habits andpractices, age, anatomical differences, weight, pressure of surroundingtissues, especially the bladder, colon and/or pelvic floor, or anycombination of factors thereof. Therefore, there remains a need in theart for a tampon assembly that provides proper bodily placement of atampon pledget.

The present invention meets this need and provides a variety of means toensure that tampon pledgets are properly placed in a woman's vaginaresulting in enhanced leakage protection and/or improved wearingcomfort.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a tampon assembly that provides properplacement of a tampon pledget within a user's body.

The present disclosure also o provide such a tampon assembly thatmitigates menses leakage.

The present disclosure provides such a tampon assembly that improveswearer comfort.

The present disclosure yet further provides such a tampon assemblyhaving one or more insertion indicators that control the depth ofinsertion of the tampon pledget.

The present disclosure still further provides such a tampon assemblyhaving one or more insertion indicators wherein the one or moreinsertion indicators are fixed to and/or integral with the tamponassembly.

The present disclosure also provides such a tampon assembly having oneor more insertion indicators that are moveable and/or adjustable.

The present disclosure further provides such a tampon assembly havingone or more fixed and/or integral insertion indicators in combinationwith one or more moveable and/or adjustable insertion indicators.

The present disclosure still further provides a tampon assembly whereinat least a portion of the tampon pledget housed in an applicator barrelof the assembly is visible to the user both prior to and duringinsertion.

The present disclosure yet further provides a tampon assembly having anadjustable plunger to gauge and/or control the insertion depth of atampon pledget.

The present disclosure also provides a tampon assembly with a tamponpledget and removal string with one or more insertion indicators togauge and/or control the insertion depth of the tampon pledget.

These and other advantages and benefits of the present disclosure areprovided by a tampon assembly having one or more insertion indicators togauge and/or control the insertion depth of a tampon pledget. The one ormore insertion indicators may be located on the tampon applicatorbarrel, plunger, tampon, removal string, or any combinations thereof. Asa result of the one or more insertion indicators, a woman can adjust theinsertion depth of the tampon to her body's requirements ensuringleakage protection, comfort, or both.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an MRI image showing a sagittal scan of a woman in her early20's with a tampon inserted high, above the bladder;

FIG. 2 is an MRI image showing a sagittal scan of another woman in herearly 20's with a tampon inserted low, below the midpoint of thebladder;

FIG. 3 is a coronal MRI scan of a 23 year old woman with a tamponinserted;

FIG. 4 is a tampon applicator assembly according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 5 a is another embodiment of a tampon applicator assembly accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 b is an alternative embodiment of the tampon applicator of FIG. 5a;

FIG. 6 is another embodiment of a tampon applicator assembly accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 a is a tampon applicator assembly having a first collapsibleportion forming an insertion stop according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 b is a tampon applicator assembly having a second collapsibleportion forming an insertion stop according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 c is a tampon applicator assembly having a third collapsibleportion forming an insertion stop according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 8 is another tampon applicator assembly according to the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 9 is an alternative embodiment of the tampon applicator assemblyaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 10 is a tampon applicator assembly having finger indicatorsaccording to the present disclosure;

FIG. 11 is an alternative embodiment of the tampon applicator assemblyof FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is another embodiment of a tampon applicator assembly accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 13 is an alternative embodiment of the tampon applicator assemblyof FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is another alternative embodiment of the tampon applicatorassembly of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is another embodiment of a tampon applicator assembly accordingto the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 a is a tampon applicator assembly having an inner plunger in afirst position according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 b is a tampon applicator assembly having an inner plunger in asecond position according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 c is a tampon applicator assembly having an inner plunger in athird position according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 17 is a tampon applicator assembly having a first segment connectedto a second segment according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 is a tampon applicator assembly having a first segmentdisconnected from a second segment according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 a is a tampon pledget with one or more pledget insertionindicators according to the present disclosure;

FIG. 19 b is another tampon pledget with one or more pledget insertionindicators according to the present disclosure; and

FIG. 20 is a segmented tampon pledget according to the presentdisclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 4 through 20 illustrate various embodiments of the basic conceptof modifying one or more tampon assembly features to ensure properin-body placement. In many embodiments the underlying idea is the same,namely use of a “depth gauge” to gauge the depth of insertion of anapplicator and/or pledget. Because women use numerous tampons, many ofthese design features will allow them to choose the proper “settings” toallow them to tailor a position of a tampon to the uniqueness of theirown bodies. Once optimal settings have been determined by a user, theyrarely need to be modified. Further, any modifications to these settingsmight indicate some changes taking place in a woman's body, thusalerting the user to the changes.

One such depth gauge that ensures proper in-body placement of a pledgetis an applicator having a barrel with at least one insertion stop. Aninsertion stop may indicate to a user a distance that a barrel of atampon applicator has been inserted into a vaginal canal, such as, forexample, by feel or sensation and/or sight. As used herein, insertionstop means an insertion indicator that indicates to a user a distancethat a barrel of a tampon applicator has been inserted into a vaginalcanal. The position of the barrel during insertion determines a positionof the pledget for proper in-body placement of the pledget. Theinsertion stop may indicate to a user where to position a user's fingersduring insertion of the applicator. The position of the user's fingersduring insertion assists in placing the applicator in a proper positionfor proper in-body placement of a pledget.

FIG. 4 shows a first exemplary embodiment of an applicator-type tamponreferred to generally by reference numeral 100 with an insertion stop orindicator 110. The insertion indicator 110 is a design feature thatensures that a woman does not insert the tampon 100 too far up into hervaginal cavity: a location of the insertion indicator 110 ensures thatthe depth of insertion of the applicator 100 is naturally limited. Auser may feel the insertion indicator 110 during insertion to indicateproper placement of the applicator 100. Applicator 100 has a barrel 120and plunger 140. The barrel 120 is dimensioned to house a tampon pledget(not shown) therein. Preferably, the pledget is connected to a string150 threaded through the plunger 140. The applicator 100 may furtherinclude a finger grip 130. The finger grip 130 is sized and shaped toreceive one or more of the user's fingers. The barrel 120 and fingergrip 130 may be a single component, as shown in FIG. 4. The insertionstop 110 may be located proximal to the finger grip 130 on the barrel120, as shown in FIG. 4. However, the insertion stop 110 may be locatedanywhere along the barrel 120, finger grip 130, and/or plunger 140.

The insertion indicator 110 may have a size larger than an outerdiameter of the barrel 120. The insertion indicator 110 may indicate tothe user a distance that the barrel 120 has been inserted into thevaginal canal, such as, for example, by feel or sensation. The insertionindicator 110 may be a convex curve extending outward from the barrel120, as shown in FIG. 4. While the insertion indicator 110 shown in FIG.4 is relatively large, the insertion indicator 110 may alternatively bea simpler, smaller “rib” to limit insertion. The “rib” may be similar inshape and size to one of three ribs 130 on the finger grip 120.

The particular type, including materials, dimensions and shape, of theinsertion indicator 110 that is utilized can vary according to theparticular needs of tampon 100 and the environment created by thevaginal canal. The insertion indicator 110 may indicate a position ofthe applicator 100 without a need of fingers and shield a user's fingersfrom menstrual fluid during insertion. The insertion indicator 110 helpswomen's fingers to be kept clean and clear of menstrual fluid, whichsometimes contains harmful bacteria.

FIGS. 5 a and 5 b show a second embodiment of an applicator-type tamponreferred to generally by reference numeral 200 with an insertionindicator 210. Similar to applicator 100 described above, applicator 200has a barrel 220 and plunger 240. The barrel 220 is dimensioned to housea tampon pledget (not shown) therein. Preferably, the pledget has astring 250 threaded through the plunger 240. The applicator 200 mayfurther include a finger grip 230. The finger grip 230 is sized andshaped to receive one or more of the user's fingers. The barrel 220 andfinger grip 230 may be a single component, as shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5b. The insertion indicator 210 may be fixed and/or integral to thebarrel 220 or, preferably, is selectively moveable and/or adjustable onthe barrel 220. The insertion indicator 210 may move along an outersurface of the barrel 220. The insertion indicator 210 may be aresilient material, as shown in FIG. 5 a, that is, preferably, soft,comfortable medical-grade foam or a rigid material, as shown in FIG. 5b, that is, preferably, plastic.

The applicator 200 may further include calibration indices 260. Thecalibration indices 260, preferably, are printed on or molded directlyinto the applicator 200. As shown in FIGS. 5 a and 5 b, the calibrationindices 260 may be dotted, line segments, and/or numerals. Thecalibration indices 260 allow a user to select a desirable positioningof the applicator 200 in the vagina and/or the insertion indicator 210on the barrel 220 relative to the user's own unique body for optimumplacement of the pledget after insertion. A user may move the insertionindicator 210 to each of the calibration indices 260.

The insertion indicator 210 may be positioned anywhere along the barrel220. Placement of the insertion indicator 210 on or near the fingergrip230 may sensually indicate insertion of the applicator 200 deeper thanplacement of the insertion indicator 210 closer to a barrel end oppositethe fingergrip 230. Thus, placement of the insertion indicator 210 on ornear the fingergrip 230 locates the pledget deeper into the body thanplacement of the insertion indicator 210 closer to the barrel endopposite the finger grip 230. In FIG. 5 a, the insertion indicator 210is positioned at a ‘3.5’ mark. Different users may choose to positionthe insertion indicator 210 shallower than the ‘3.5’ mark, such as, forexample, a ‘1’ mark 262, for a location of the pledget that reducespropensity for leakage around the pledget and/or to accommodate ashorter vaginal canal. On the other hand, the tampon applicator 200 maybe inserted more deeply than the ‘1’ mark 262, such as, for example, asetting of a ‘2’ mark 264 for a location of the pledget that in thevaginal canal that keeps the pledget from falling out and/or toaccommodate a larger vaginal canal.

In FIG. 5 b, the insertion indicator 210 is positioned at a rearcalibration index 266. Different users may choose to position theinsertion indicator 210 shallower than the rear calibration index 266,such as, for example, an intermediate index 268 or front calibrationindex 262, or deeper than the rear calibration index 266 to insert theapplicator 200 to reduce propensity for leakage around the tamponpledget and/or to accommodate a shorter or longer vaginal canal. Theinsertion indicator 210 may indicate to the user a distance that thebarrel 220 has been inserted into the vaginal canal, such as, forexample, by feel; or the user may position her fingers on or near theinsertion stop 210 corresponding to a pre-selected insertion depth.

FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of an applicator-type tamponreferred to generally by reference numeral 300. Similar to applicator100 described above, applicator 300 has a barrel 320 and a plunger 340.The applicator further includes a finger grip 330. The barrel 320 isdimensioned to house a tampon pledget (not shown) therein. The tamponpledget, preferably, has a string 350 threaded through the plunger 340.The finger grip 330, preferably, is selectively movable to a pluralityof finger grip positions on the barrel 320. The finger grip 330 may be awraparound collar, as shown in FIG. 6. The finger grip 330 may be sizedand shaped to receive one or more of the user's fingers. The finger grip330, preferably, is a resilient material, and more preferably, a soft,comfortable medical-grade foam.

The user may grasp the finger grip 330 to insert the applicator 300 to aproper insertion depth into the body corresponding to one of theplurality of finger grip positions. Similar to the other embodiments,applicator 300 may be “calibrated,” such as, for example, withcalibration indices 360. Calibration indices indicate where to positionthe finger grip 330 on the barrel 320 for a proper setting or insertiondepth for insertion in the body. The calibration indices 360 may beprinted or molded directly on the applicator 300. The calibrationindices 360 allow a user to select a desirable positioning or insertiondepth of the applicator 300 and/or the finger grip 330 relative to theuser's own unique body to position and insert the tampon pledget.Different users may choose to position the finger grip 330 in differentpositions on the barrel 320 between the plunger 340 and an insertion tip325 on a barrel end opposite the plunger according to the user's bodyshape. The finger grip 330 may be moved toward the insertion tip 325 fora shallow insertion depth or in an opposite direction toward the plunger340 for a deeper insertion depth. The finger grip 330 may be raisedbeyond an outer surface of the barrel 320 to sufficiently allow thefinger grip 330 to function as an insertion indicator described herein.The applicator 300 may be made more aesthetically pleasing, such as, forexample, by raising the finger grip portion in an elegant fashion orpattern and/or introducing color, such as, for example, a colordifferent than a remaining portion of the applicator 300. Alternatively,the finger grip 330 may be molded and/or formed from the same materialthat forms the applicator 300, such as, for example, plastic and/orcardboard, in a two-part molding scheme.

Two-part molding, also known as overmolding or co-injection molding, isa process by which two plastics are molded, one on top of another, toget two different physical characteristics. For the case of tamponapplicators, it is desired to have a “soft, grippy” fingergrip, but asmooth, lubricious barrel for insertion. This might be achieved first,by injection molding low density polyethylene to form the barrel, thenby molding a soft, thermoplastic elastomer or a polymeric foam to formthe fingergrip in a second step. This second step might be a secondinjection molding process, ultrasonic welding or some other comparablemodification to provide a second surface.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 a through 7 c, another embodiment of anapplicator-type tampon referred to generally by reference numeral 400 isillustrated. Similar to applicator 100 described above, applicator 400has a barrel 420 and a plunger 440. The barrel 420 is dimensioned tohouse a tampon pledget (not shown) therein. Preferably, the pledget hasa string 450 threaded through the plunger 440. The applicator 400 mayfurther include a finger grip. The finger grip is sized and shaped toreceive one or more of the user's fingers. The barrel 420 and fingergrip may be a single component. The barrel 420 has one or more insertionindicators 410. One or more resilient or collapsible portions 460 of thebarrel 420 form each of the insertion indicators 410. Segments 422 ofthe barrel 420 on opposite sides of each collapsible portion 460 may bemoved toward one another. Two segments 422 on opposite sides of one ofthe collapsible portions may fold the collapsible portion outward toform one of the insertions indicators 410.

More than one of the insertion indicators 410 and collapsible portions460 may be located at different positions along a length of the barrel420. In FIG. 7 a, the insertion indicator 410 is formed at a firstcollapsible portion 462 closest to the insertion tip 425 of theapplicator 400. In FIG. 7 c, the insertion indicator 410 is formed at athird collapsible portion 466 closest to the plunger 440. In FIG. 7 b,the insertion indicator 410 is formed at a second collapsible portion464 intermediate the first collapsible portion 462 and the thirdcollapsible portion 466.

The user may select a desired position of an insertion indicator fromthe different positions. A collapsible portion corresponding to thedesired position may be folded outward to form the desired indicator orstop. Additional insertion stops may also be formed. Any insertion stopsthat are not selected by the user may remain unfolded during insertion.An insertion indicator 410 on or near an insertion tip 425 indicates ashallower insertion depth of the pledget and/or applicator 400. Aninsertion indicator 410 on the barrel 420 that is closer to the plunger440 than the insertion tip 425 indicates a deeper insertion depth of thepledget and/or applicator 400.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of an applicator-type tamponreferred to generally by reference numeral 500 with one or moreinsertion indicators 510. Similar to applicator 100 described above,applicator 500 has a barrel 520 and plunger 540. The barrel 520 isdimensioned to house a tampon pledget (not shown) therein. Preferably,the pledget has a string 550 threaded through the plunger 540. Theapplicator 500 may further include a finger grip 530. The finger grip530 is sized and shaped to receive one or more of the user's fingers.The barrel 520 and finger grip 530 may be a single component, as shownin FIG. 8.

The insertion indicators 510 may be one or more ribs 570 extendingoutward from the barrel 520. The one or more ribs 570 may be molded-inindex graphics. The molded-in index graphics may include, for example,line segments extending from an outer surface of the barrel 520.

The one or more ribs 570 are positioned along a length of the barrel 520to indicate deeper and shallower positions of the applicator 500 in thebody. The one or more ribs 570 may indicate to the user a distance ofthe barrel 520 that is inserted into the vaginal canal, for example, byfeel or sight. The user may position her fingers on one or more of theribs 570 to visually indicate a distance that the barrel 520 is to beinserted into the vaginal canal. The user may position her fingers on afront-most ring 595 to ensure a low depth of insertion of the applicator500, or on a rearmost ring 597 to ensure a much deeper insertion level,if desired. The pledget is located deeper in the vaginal canal when theapplicator 500 has a deeper insertion level than the low depth ofinsertion. The front-most ring 595, the rear-most ring 597, andintermediate rings between the front-most ring 595 and the rear-mostring 597 allow a user to position the applicator 500 relative to theuser's own unique body to position.

Alternatively, the one or more ribs 570 may be seven different raisedfinger grip “ribs” or rings positioned equidistantly from one another.The user may position her fingers on a front-most ring to ensure a lowdepth of insertion, or on the rearmost ring to ensure a much deeperinsertion level, if desired.

Another alternative of applicator 500 is illustrated in FIG. 9. The oneor more ribs 570 are flush or printed on the applicator 500. The one ormore ribs 570 may be a line segment 580 and a numeral 590. Here thedesign feature is a calibrated applicator barrel. The user inserting thetampon simply inserts the applicator 500 to the desired calibratedsetting or line segment 580 and numeral 590 to accommodate theiranatomical needs. Most women do not or cannot view the applicator whileinserting the tampon. The user may use the one or more ribs 570, forexample, to position one or more fingers on the applicator 500.

Another depth gauge that ensures proper in-body placement of a pledgetis an applicator having finger indicators. The finger indicatorsindicate to a user where to position a user's fingers during insertionof the applicator. The position of the user's fingers during insertionassists in placing the applicator in a proper position for properin-body placement of a pledget.

FIGS. 10 and 11 depict additional embodiments of an applicator-typetampon according to the present invention referred to generally byreference numeral 600 with a finger grip 630. Similar to applicator 100described above, applicator 600 has a barrel 620 and plunger 640. Thebarrel 620 is dimensioned to house a tampon pledget (not shown) therein.Preferably, the pledget has a string 650 that is threaded through theplunger 640. The barrel 620 and finger grip 630 may be an integrallyformed as a single component, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, or the barrel620 and finger grip 630 may be formed separately and subsequentlyattached (not shown). The finger grip 630 is sized and shaped to receiveone or more of the user's fingers. The finger grip 630 has one or morefinger indicators 631 at different locations along an outer surface ofthe barrel 620. The finger indicators may be, for example, molded-infinger indicators, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. The finger indicators631 may be concave depressions, as shown in FIG. 10, or finger grip 630may be scalloped to provide finger indicators 631, as shown in FIG. 11.The user may select a desirable positioning of the applicator 600relative to the user's own unique body by grasping the one or morefinger indicators 631 at the different locations along the applicator600. Different users may choose to grasp first finger indicators 632closest to an insertion tip 625 of the barrel, second finger indicators633, and/or third finger indicators 634 closest to plunger 640 toposition applicator 600 and the tampon pledget deeper or shallower intothe vaginal canal. The user may grasp the first finger indicators 632 toassist in positioning the applicator 600 and pledget shallower in thevaginal canal than the user grasping the second or third fingerindicators 633 and 634. The user may grasp the second finger indicators633 to assist in positioning the applicator 600 and pledget shallower inthe vaginal canal than the user grasping the third finger indicators 634and deeper than the user grasping the first finger indicators 632. Theuser may grasp the third finger indicators 634 to assist in positioningthe applicator 600 and pledget deeper in the vaginal canal than the usergrasping the first or second finger indicators 632 and 633.

Another depth gauge that ensures proper in-body placement of a pledgetis an applicator that has the pledget visible therethrough. For example,the pledget may be visible through the barrel of the applicator. Oneadvantage of the pledget being visible through the applicator is thatthe user may see a position of the pledget in the barrel, e.g., closerto a plunger or an insertion tip of the applicator, allowing a user togauge a distance to depress the plunger for proper in-body placement ofthe pledget.

FIGS. 12 through 14 illustrate another embodiment of an applicator-typetampon applicator assembly according to the present invention referredto generally by reference numeral 700. The applicator 700 has a barrel720 and plunger 740. The barrel 720 is dimensioned to house a pledget711 therein. Preferably, the pledget 711 has a string 750 that isthreaded through the plunger 740. The applicator 700 may further includea finger grip 730. The finger grip 730 is sized and shaped to receiveone or more of the user's fingers. The barrel 720 and finger grip 730may be a single component, as shown in FIGS. 12 through 14. The barrel720 has an interior that is visible through at least a portion of saidbarrel. The pledget 711 is visible through the applicator barrel 720.The user may insert the pledget 711 more easily when the pledget 711 isvisible through applicator 700. As shown in FIG. 12, the barrel 720 maybe clear or transparent to form a clear housing. As shown in FIG. 13,the barrel 720 may have an opening 722 through applicator 700 exposingthe pledget 711. The opening 722 may be covered by a clear ortransparent layer 724 to form a window in the applicator 700, as shownin FIG. 14.

Another depth gauge that ensures proper in-body placement of a pledgetis a plunger that has one or more plunger stops. One advantage of theone or more plunger stops allows a user to gauge a distance of theplunger depressed for proper in-body placement of the pledget. Theplunger has a length that may be adjusted. Adjusting the lengthincreases or decreases a distance the pledget may be inserted into thebody for proper in-body placement of the pledget.

FIG. 15 illustrates yet another embodiment of an applicator-type tamponassembly according to the present invention referred to generally byreference numeral 800. Similar to applicator 100 described above,applicator 800 has a barrel 820 and plunger 840. The barrel 820 isdimensioned to house a tampon pledget (not shown) therein. Preferably,the pledget has a string 850 threaded through the plunger 840. Theapplicator 800 may further include a finger grip 830. The finger grip830 is sized and shaped to receive one or more of the user's fingers.The barrel 820 and finger grip 830 may be a single component, as shownin FIG. 15. Similar to the barrels described above, the plunger 840 maybe calibrated. For example, plunger markings or “stops” 860 may beplaced on the plunger 840, in much the same way that these markings orstops appear on the applicator barrel, as previously described. Theplunger 840 may have one or more plunger stops 860 between a firstplunger end (not shown) that is inserted into the barrel 820 and asecond plunger end 848 that is opposite to the first plunger end. Theplunger stops 860 at or near the first plunger end provide shallowerinsertion depths of the pledget than plunger stops at or near the secondplunger end 848. Preferably, the stops 860 are one or more molded-inindex graphics, and more preferably, the stops include one or moremolded-in index graphics of a plunger line segment 880 and/or a plungernumeral 890. The plunger 840 may be used with any of the embodimentsdescribed herein.

Effective deployment of the above design features sometimes suggestschanges in women's habits and practices in inserting a tampon. Forexample, to use the calibrated plunger depicted in FIG. 15 mosteffectively, the tampon applicator 800 would be inserted normally into avagina, and then the tampon pledget is ejected by depressing the plunger840 up to a pre-selected plunger stop 860. The user may visually orsensually gauge how far the plunger 840 is depressed into the barrel820. The barrel 820 is then retracted until the barrel 820 exits thevagina, leaving the tampon pledget in a desired position in the vaginalcanal to assure leakage protection and comfort.

Referring now to FIGS. 16 a through 16 c, another embodiment of anapplicator-type tampon assembly according to the present inventionreferred to generally by reference numeral 900 is illustrated. Similarto applicator 100 described above, applicator 900 has a barrel 920. Thebarrel 920 is dimensioned to house a tampon pledget (not shown) therein.Preferably, the pledget has a string 950 threaded through a plunger 940.The applicator 900 may further include a finger grip 930 and/or aninsertion indicator 910. The insertion indicator 910 may be any typeinsertion stop, such as, for example, an insertion indicator describedherein. The finger grip 930 is sized and shaped to receive one or moreof the user's fingers. The barrel 920 and finger grip 930 may be asingle component, as shown in FIGS. 16 a through 16 c. The applicator900 has two, interlocking plungers 942 and 944. An inner plunger 942 isinside another, outer plunger 944. Preferably, the inner and outerplungers 942 and 944 are two slightly different lengths, such that theouter plunger 944 would make ejection easy with the outer and innerplungers 942 and 944 placing the applicator 900 in a proper position inthe body. The inner plunger 942 may increase a total length L of theplunger 940. The inner plunger 942 extends out of the outer plunger 944to increase or decrease the total length L and as a result vary theinsertion depth of the pledget into the body.

Similar to the barrels described above, the plunger 940 may becalibrated. For example, markings, indicators or “stops” 960 may beplaced on the plunger 940, in much the same way that these markings orindicators appear on the applicator barrel. The indicators 960 may be onthe inner plunger 942, the outer plunger 944, or any combinationthereof. Preferably, the indicators 960 are one or more molded-in indexgraphics, and more preferably, the indicators include one or moremolded-in index graphics of a plunger line segment 980 and a plungernumeral 990.

The inner plunger 942 may be in a plurality of different positionswithin the outer plunger 944. For example, the inner plunger 942 mayhave a first position indicated by one of the indicators 960, as shownin FIG. 16 a, to provide placement of the pledget deeper or higher upinto the vaginal canal after insertion into the vagina. The innerplunger 942 may have a second position indicated by one of theindicators 960, as shown in FIG. 16 b, in which the inner plunger 942 iscloser to the finger grip 930 than the first position. The secondposition places the pledget lower or shallower in the vaginal cavitythan the first position. The inner plunger 942 may be in a thirdposition indicated by one of the indicators 960, as shown in FIG. 16 c,in which the inner plunger 942 is closer to the fingergrip 930 than thefirst position and the second position. The third position places thepledget lower or shallower in the vaginal cavity than the first orsecond positions. The inner plunger 942 may be positioned anywhere alongits length inside of the outer plunger 944, but the inner plunger shouldnot extend distally past the most distal part of the outer plunger. Theuse of the indicator on the barrel together with the calibration indices960 on the plunger 940 allows the tampon pledget to eject to thedesirable place inside the vagina, without the need to retract thebarrel 920 to a specified point. An additional advantage would be that atwo-plunger design tends to eject the tampon pledget so that less forceis required owing to additional force available from a second plunger.The two plungers together would be “stiffer”, since the overallthickness of both would exceed that of each individually. Additionally,the “two-step” operation would reduce the total force required for asingle-step operation.

Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18, a further embodiment of anapplicator-type tampon assembly according to the present invention isillustrated generally by reference numeral 1000. Applicator 1000 has aplunger 1040 with one or more segments 1042. A first segment 1044 may beconnected to a second segment 1046, as shown in FIG. 17. The firstsegment 1044 may be detached from the second segment 1046 to decreasethe length L, as shown in FIG. 18. One or more segments 1042 increase ordecrease a length L of plunger 1040. For example, to use the plunger1042 depicted in FIGS. 17 and 18 most effectively, an applicator 1000would be inserted normally into a vagina; and then a pledget (not shown)would be ejected by pushing the length of the plunger 1040 into thebarrel 1020. The barrel 1020 is then retracted until the barrel 1020exits the vagina, leaving the pledget in a desired position in thevaginal canal to assure leakage protection and comfort. Increasing thelength L of the plunger 1040 positions the pledget deeper into thevagina. Decreasing the length L of the plunger 1040 positions thepledget shallower into the vagina. Although two of the one or moresegments 1042 are illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18, any number of segments1042 may be used to form the novel plunger of the present invention.Plunger 1040 may be used with any of the embodiments included herein.

Referring to FIGS. 19 a and 19 b, a tampon pledget 1100 may have one ormore pledget insertion indicators 1110, according to another embodimentof the present invention. The pledget insertion indicators 1110 aredesign features similar to insertion indicators described herein thatcould be applied to a string 1150 of the pledget 1100 to achieve asimilar purpose of regulating the level of insertion. The user mayinsert the pledget 1100 into the vagina as she does normally, then pullback gently on the string to an appropriate stop of the one or morepledget insertion indicators 1110. The appropriate indicator indicates aposition of the pledget 1100 or a proper level of insertion for theuser's own unique body, for example, by feel or sight. The particulartype, including materials, dimensions and shape, of the one or morepledget insertion indicators 1110 that is utilized can vary according tothe particular needs of pledget 1100 and the environment created by anapplicator or the vaginal canal. For example, the one or more pledgetinsertion indicators 1110 may be knots, as shown in FIG. 19 a, or foambeads, as shown in FIG. 19 b.

A pledget may be designed to accommodate women's anatomical variationsand needs during menstruation. One simple change may be to “segment” thepledget. Referring to FIG. 20, a segmented pledget 1200 is depicted.Segmented pledget 1200 has two or more segments 1210. The pledget may besegmented by using pressure or anisotropic crimping or by stringingtogether multiple fibrous pads or webs. The top part of the pledget maycatch or absorb fluid as directed from the cervical os, whereas a bottomportion of the pledget may catch or absorb fluid that would be likely tobypass the pledget. The pledget may have a slight curvature. The pledgetmay be more flexible in certain segments to conform to a curvaturetypical of the vaginal canal. Alternatively, the segments 1210 of thepledget may be separated by judiciously placed knots (not shown) on astring 1230 to cover the vaginal canal most effectively. Longer vaginalcanals would be accommodated by knots that would widely space pledgetsegments 1210. Shorter canals might require virtually no spacing or asingle pledget segment. In such a manner, the proper pledget segmentscan be properly placed inside the vagina to achieve both leakageprotection and comfort.

Yet another embodiment of this invention may use chemical rather thanphysical means to ensure proper tampon placement. That is, a verysmooth, lubricious first coating could be applied to an applicatorbarrel tip. A second coating that is a much coarser, more abrasivefinish (or even “flocking”) than the first coating may be applied toanother end of the tampon applicator opposite the applicator barrel tip.The front-most portion would gently allow the applicator to slide intothe woman's vaginal canal easily and comfortably, but the rearmost, more“abrasive” portion would sort of naturally limit insertion: a slightchange in “feel” would alert the woman that she has inserted the tamponto a pre-selected point.

The applicators of the present invention may have any combination of thefeatures of the embodiments described herein. The particular type,including materials, dimensions and shape, of the applicator and/orpledget that is utilized can vary according to the particular needs ofthe tampon and the environment created by the vaginal canal. Forexample, the applicator may be a material including, for example,biopolymer, biopolymers including polysaccharides and proteins,cardboard, heat shrink plastic, paper, paper or cardboard laminate,paper slurry, plastic, plastic tubing, pulp slurry, pulp-molded paper,mechanical pulp, chemical pulp including sulfite, bisulfite, and sulfatetypes, thermo-mechanical pulp, chemi-thermo-mechanical pulp, recyclepulp including pre- and post-consumer types, synthetic pulp includingpolyethylene and polypropylene types, or any combinations thereof. Theapplicator may be manufactured by spiral wound cardboard, convolutelywound cardboard, injection molding, molding from pulp based materials,and any combinations thereof.

The above embodiments are by no means exhaustive. To one skilled in theart, to be sure, there are other, related design features and conceptsthat focus on improved tampon placement. These, too, should be coveredin the invention. While the instant disclosure has been described withreference to one or more exemplary embodiments, it will be understood bythose skilled in the art that various changes may be made andequivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departingfrom the scope thereof. In addition, many modifications may be made toadapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of thedisclosure without departing from the scope thereof. Therefore, it isintended that the disclosure not be limited to the particularembodiment(s) disclosed as the best mode contemplated for carrying outthis invention.

1. A tampon applicator comprising: a barrel having an insertion end anda plunger receiving end, said barrel having dimensions to house a tamponpledget therein; a plunger; a calibration index having a plurality ofpositions, said positions being placed on a component selected from thegroup consisting of said barrel and said plunger; and a device forselecting by a user one of the plurality of positions.
 2. The tamponapplicator of claim 1, wherein said device comprises an insertionindicator.
 3. The tampon applicator of claim 2, wherein said insertionindicator is located on said barrel.
 4. The tampon applicator of claim3, wherein said insertion indicator is of a diameter larger than anouter diameter of said barrel.
 5. The tampon applicator of claim 3,wherein said insertion indicator has a convex curve extending outwardfrom said barrel.
 6. The tampon applicator of claim 3, wherein saidinsertion indicator is a rib.
 7. The tampon applicator of claim 3,wherein said insertion indicator is fixed to said barrel.
 8. The tamponapplicator of claim 3, wherein said insertion indicator is movable alongan outer surface of said barrel.
 9. The tampon applicator of claim 3,where said insertion indicator is made of a medical grade foam.
 10. Thetampon applicator of claim 3, wherein said insertion indicator is madeof plastic.
 11. The tampon applicator of claim 1, wherein saidcalibration index is printed or molded on the tampon applicator.
 12. Thetampon applicator of claim 1, wherein said calibration index is selectedfrom the group consisting of one or more dots, line segments, numerals,and any combinations thereof.
 13. The tampon applicator of claim 1,further comprising a finger grip section.
 14. The tampon applicator ofclaim 13, wherein said barrel and said finger grip section are a singlecomponent.
 15. The tampon applicator of claim 13, wherein said fingergrip section is selectively movable to the plurality of positions onsaid barrel.
 16. The tampon applicator of claim 13, wherein said fingergrip section is raised beyond an outer surface of said barrel to form aninsertion indicator.
 17. The tampon applicator of claim 13, wherein saidfinger grip section is a wraparound collar.
 18. The tampon applicator ofclaim 13, wherein said finger grip section is made of a medical gradefoam.
 19. The tampon applicator of claim 2, wherein said insertionindicator is one or more rings.
 20. The tampon applicator of claim 2,wherein said insertion indicator is one or more ribs.
 21. The tamponapplicator of claim 20, wherein said one or more ribs are molded-inindex graphics.
 22. The tampon applicator of claim 21, wherein saidmold-in index graphics are line segments or numerals extending from anouter surface of said barrel.
 23. The tampon applicator of claim 21,wherein said one or more ribs are flush or printed on the applicator.24. The tampon applicator of claim 1, wherein said device is one or morefinger indicators.
 25. The tampon applicator of claim 2, wherein saidinsertion indicator is located on said plunger.
 26. A tampon applicatorcomprising: a barrel having an insertion end and a plunger receivingend, said barrel having dimensions to house a tampon pledget therein; aplunger; and one or more one collapsible portions upon said barrel, saidone or more one collapsible portions are folded outward from acenterline of the tampon applicator to form an insertion indicator. 27.The tampon applicator of claim 26, wherein said one or more onecollapsible portions forms a segment upon being folded outward.
 28. Thetampon applicator of claim 27, wherein said segment may be moved towardone of said one or more collapsible portions.
 29. A tampon applicatorcomprising: a barrel having an insertion end and a plunger receivingend, said barrel having dimensions to house a tampon pledget therein; aplunger integrally connected to said barrel to form a one piece tamponapplicator; two or more finger indicators along an outer surface of saidbarrel and positions along a different axial extant of the tamponapplicator, wherein each of the two or more finger indicators provides auser with a different position for positioning the pledget at adifferent location in a vaginal canal of the user.
 30. A tamponapplicator of claim 29, wherein said two or more finger indicators areconcave depressions.
 31. A tampon applicator of claim 29, wherein saidtwo or more finger indicators are scallops.
 32. A tampon applicator foruse by a user comprising: a barrel having an insertion end and a plungerreceiving end, said barrel having dimensions to house a tampon pledgettherein, and said barrel having at least a portion that is transparentso that an interior of said barrel is visible; and a plunger.
 33. Atampon applicator comprising: a barrel having an insertion end and aplunger receiving end, said barrel having dimensions to house a tamponpledget therein; a plunger having a first plunger and a second plungeradjustably receivable within said first plunger, wherein said secondplunger extends out from said first plunger; and a calibration indexhaving a plurality of positions on said second plunger.
 34. The tamponapplicator of claim 33, wherein said first plunger and said secondplunger are interlocking.
 35. The tampon applicator of claim 33, whereinsaid barrel has an insertion indicator thereon.
 36. A tampon applicatorcomprising: a barrel having an outer surface, said outer surface havingan insertion indicator of a diameter greater than the diameter of saidouter surface; a first plunger segment having one end connected to saidbarrel and a second free end; and one or more additional plungersegments adapted to be connected to the free end of the first plungersegment.
 37. The tampon applicator of claim 36, wherein said one or moreadditional plunger segments have a step-down for adaptive receipt insaid free end.
 38. A tampon pledget comprising: an absorbent materialhaving a first end and a second end; and a string connected to one ofthe first and second ends of the absorbent material, said string havingan insertion indicator thereon to indicate the position of saidabsorbent pledget in a vaginal canal.
 39. The tampon pledget of claim38, wherein the insertion indicator is one or more knots.
 40. The tamponpledget of claim 38, wherein the insertion indicator is one or more foambeads.